The 17th-ranked William Smith soccer team rolled to a 4-0 Liberty League win over Bard at Cozzens Field on Saturday afternoon, improving to 5-2-2 overall and 1-1-0 in conference play.
Senior Ruth Hotaling wasted no time, scoring just 93 seconds into the match for her team-leading sixth goal of the season. After a barrage of first-half shots, the Herons broke the game open in the second half with three more goals. Julia Bragg doubled the lead in the 49th minute, finishing a rebound for her fifth of the year. First-year Lilia Mack added her first collegiate tally three minutes later with a 25-yard strike into the upper corner. Grace Metzler capped the scoring in the 84th minute off a perfectly weighted through ball from Emily Blight. Metzler also recorded an assist.
William Smith dominated statistically, outshooting Bard 31-3 with a 7-1 edge in corner kicks. Bard keeper McKenna Reeves made 13 saves to limit the damage, including eight in the first half.
The Herons continue their three-game homestand Wednesday, October 1, hosting Ithaca at 4:30 p.m. as they look to build on their first conference win.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].